Though usually overshadowed by events in Ukraine, Syria is another location where US and Russian forces could come into conflict, particularly as US forces are operating there in violation of Syria’s sovereignty and of international law.
The latest development involves the continued harassment of US drones operating in Syrian airspace by Russian fighter jets. US Air Forces Central Command (AFCENT) issued a press release yesterday ranting about Russian “bad behavior” towards American Reaper drones. “While three U.S. MQ-9 drones were conducting a mission against ISIS targets, three Russian fighter jets began harassing the drones. Against established norms and protocols, the Russian jets dropped multiple parachute flares in front of the drones, forcing our aircraft to conduct evasive maneuvers,” said AFCENT commander Lt Gen Alex Grynkewich. “Additionally, one Russian pilot positioned their [sic] aircraft in front of an MQ-9 and engaged afterburner, thereby reducing the operator’s ability to safely operate the aircraft.”
“These events represent another example of unprofessional and unsafe actions by Russian air forces operating in Syria, which threaten the safety of both U.S. and Russian forces,” Grynkewich concluded. “We urge Russian forces in Syria to cease this reckless behavior and adhere to the standards of behavior expected of a professional air force so we can resume our focus on the enduring defeat of ISIS.”
